Marie Antoinette Bridal Salon — Local services in Derby

Gross, old, and uncomfortable.

Parking is limited and dangerous. The shop is old, dark, cramped, and dirty feeling. Very claustrophobic. I was shopping for a bridal gown with my MOH. We made an appointment ahead of time and they asked a few questions for information when we arrived. We were led up a tight stairway into their bridal area, a big open room with a pedestal, mirrors, and a couple pieces of old-looking furniture to sit on and outdated decor. It was VERY hot and humid, we commented on this, and the attendant said "yes, we just turned the air conditioning on just for you!" which is nice, but it was already gross up there which made it very difficult to get into and out of dresses because of sticking to them. Also made me wonder how many other people had sweat into these gowns before me, or had their naked, sweaty, bodies on the fabric of the chairs in there. Gross. I was surprised they didn't have music or anything to buffer the noise from the busy street just out the window. She told me to undress as she went to get a few gowns and closed a large curtain separating the room from the stairs we had come up and the back area with dresses. I stood there basically naked as she whipped the curtain back open and came in with dresses. I really wish they had provided a robe or told us to bring one, or that they had a more private area. The curtain was often left open as the attendant went to fetch a dress, and I stood there trying to cover myself with my hands, anxious about someone walking up the stairs. I know they want to protect the dresses, but it was extremely uncomfortable that she kept touching me while I was basically nude. I am able-bodied and demonstrated I had no issue stepping into gowns, but she kept grabbing my arm (actually making me less balanced) and touching me to help me into the dresses. (Other shops I have been to give you the gown in a private area and once you are into it they return to zip you up) The lights are aimed terribly for seeing the dress while you are on the pedestal. They cast shadows all over you instead of actually lighting what they are pointed at. I had to keep stepping off or looking at pictures my MOH took.

I'm truly shocked there are as many good reviews as there are. The staff was friendly enough, but it was a terribly uncomfortable experience overall. Old, dingy, crowded shop, standing exposed and sweaty in a wide-open room, worrying more about a stranger touching me than actually getting into the dresses, not being able to see them well once they were on... This was supposed to be a fun and exciting process and honestly it was a truly terrible experience for me. I would never go back, and I would vehemently oppose anyone else going here for a bridal fitting if...

After going to numerous bridal shops in Connecticut and New York (including the famous one in Manhattan), we stopped at Marie Antionettes. I found them extremely knowledgeable and we ended up buying the same dress my daughter tried on at the Manhattan store. The seamstress even added the extra bling we bought a a NY trim shop and it turned out to be a "wow" dress. During my daughter's last fitting, they were holding a "mother of the bride" trunk show featuring Rina Di Montella. We looked around and I found a couple of dresses that I tried on and it fit perfectly with only the hem needing to be altered. I was beside myself because I loved the dress, the prices was right but I thought they could never get this done in a couple of days. They ordered, altered and I had the dress by the end of the week (2 days before the wedding). The owner had previously showed me a dress in the catalog that I loved but it was too pricey so I purchased a different dress somewhere else that I wasn't thrilled about. I can't say enough nice things about this place. We ordered the Tux's from here as well and everything was great. I'm just...

The owner Theresa was so incredibly knowledgeable in her field and knew exactly what looked best on my body type. She was the only bridal salon who wanted to help me find a non lace, form fitting, wedding dress with sleeves. Did you know Casablanca is one of the only dress companies in the US that offers the option to swap out different parts of their dresses to let their customers create their own dream wedding dress? Mine was 2 different dresses with Italian satin that didn't easily snag or wrinkle. I had no idea I could do or afford this option. Theresa measured me, contacted Casablanca, they drew me a sketch, I got to make changes and resubmit then I agreed, put a deposit down and was contacted immediately when it was ready for try on. When it came alteration time she was front and center making sure everything looked perfect. They were even able to add a small belt for an extra wow factor! Thank you so much Theresa at Marie Antoinette...